MADISON COUNTY-Statement from Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning regarding the arrest of four suspects in a Counterfeit Currency Ring:
“Sheriff Blake Dorning announces the on August 17, 2015, Deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 53 and Blake Bottom Road. The vehicle was occupied by Cornellius Phillips 19 year old male of Huntsville, Ronald Myers 19 year old male of Huntsville, Davontae Logan 23 year old male of Huntsville, and Christopher Braxter 21 year old male of Huntsville.
During the traffic stop Christopher Baxter and Cornellius Phillips fled on foot and were apprehended a short time later. During the Investigation Deputies discovered Cornellius Phillips and Davontae Logan to be in possession of counterfeit currency. Christopher Baxter had a Hi Pont .380 in his possession. Ronald Myers was found to be in possession of Marijuana and Hallucinogenic drugs.
Cornellius Phillips 19
Cornellius Phillips faces charges of Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st Degree, $5,000.00 bond and Attempting to Flee and Elude, $1,000.00 bond.
Ronald Myers 19
Ronald Myers faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Hallucinogenic), $5,000.00 bond and Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree, $500.00 bond.
Davontae Logan 23
Davonte Logan faces a charge of Possession of Forges Instrument 1st Degree, $5,000.00 bond.
Christopher Braxter 21
Christopher Baxter faces charges of Attempting to Flee and Elude, $1,000.00 bond and Carrying a Concealed Weapon, $1,000.00 bond.
During the Investigation Deputies also recovered another handgun, which was reported stolen and $1,100 in counterfeit currency, predominately in $50 dollar bills.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office have continued the Investigation and seized a printer that is believed to have been used to print counterfeit currency. Investigators have reason to believe that some of the individuals involved in this arrest are responsible for the production and distribution of up to $100,000.00 in counterfeit bills. The distribution of the bills is believed to have occurred throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with the United States Secret Service and was also assisted by the Huntsville Police Department and additional charges may be forthcoming.
All of the arrests were based on Probable Cause and he is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of Law.”
